Stock Saddles

Stock saddles are becoming ever increasingly popular within the wider equine community. Here at The Saddle Bank, the worlds most trusted online saddle retailer, we aim to provide our customers with the saddles you are looking for and provide you information to allow you to make an informed decision for you and your horse.

In this article we will discuss all things stock saddles and the brands who make them. This should help you decide if a stock saddle is right for you and your horse. If so, why not trial one from The Saddle Bank. The Saddle Bank offer 5 day UK mainland trials on all new and used saddles with fast next working day delivery. If you are overseas don't worry - we ship worldwide!  

If by the end of the article you are not sure if the a stock saddle is right for you and your horse, why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team via phone 01733 301488  or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.

What is a stock saddle?

Today, we are going down under to talk about Australian Stock Saddles. They evolved over 150 years ago by Trevor James. They are now used in various activities world-wide. These saddles have similarities to both the English and the Western. In fact, they are known as the in-between saddle. The western saddle is a bit heavier than the stock. The Stock saddle does not have a horn either, which is on every Western saddle. No horn means the riders weight is distributed more evenly over the horses back. The English saddle is made specifically for performance.

Did you know? The English saddle is not designed to be ridden in for extended periods of time.

The Stock Saddle is designed more for comfort. It has a low, deep seat with additional knee pads to give the rider support. A stock saddle can weigh up to 18kg, a Western saddle up to 27.5kg  and an English saddle up to 9kg.

Who uses a Stock Saddle?

These saddles boast a traditional design and have a wide range of purposes. They are mainly used for stockmen riding the outback. Stock saddles are also useful for the Ranchers, Rodeos, Pleasure, and Trail Riders.

Do you perhaps enjoy riding for long periods of time? Or maybe your horse is a little spooky and you want extra support when riding? Perhaps you are riding a skittish young horse that you don’t trust? Maybe you have had a break from riding, and you want a saddle to aid your position? Then the stock saddle is made for you!

This saddle is not suitable for serious jumping activities. This is due to its long stirrup length and too much support which would restrict a rider getting in the jumping position.

How to sit in a Stock Saddle

The stirrup position is more forward than a Western Saddle. Like the Western Saddle, you should ride with relatively long leathers due to its wide support. Your thighs should run parallel with the knee pad which will naturally take your legs in front of your body.

You should aim to have one fingers width between your thigh and the pommel of the saddle.

What companies make a stock saddle?

 Bates Kimberley Stock Saddle

The Bates Stock Saddle is a leather saddle. The leather finish gives optimum suppleness and enhanced grip. What makes this saddle stand out is the lateral flex tree. This is the only stock saddle with this type of tree, allowing more flexibility to work with your horses muscular movement. This type of tree swings offers more movement, swinging from side to side with the horses shoulders.

The saddle also offers an easy-change fit solution. This enables full adjustment to the saddle, which can be done simply by the rider, in a matter of minutes. Another fantastic feature on this saddle is the CAIR system. There is a blog coming out on this shortly! Simply put this system replaces the traditional fillings in your saddles panel with air. Situated in the same part of your saddle where the flocking would normally be situated. If you have a Bates saddle, we stock their tack cleaner which is specifically made to cater to your leather. Check that out here:

There are 2 types of Stock saddle. The Bates Kimberley Stock Saddle and the Bates Kimberely with Swinging Fender Saddle. Both have a traditional look with poley knee pads which mould to your leg. They also have a long double girth point, for additional security for the rider. The Swinging Fender is attached to the tree, which gives the rider easy leg movement. It would depend on what you want to use the saddle for as to which one you go for! On a long-distance ride, the swinging fender saddle would be the better option. Whereas if you are using the saddle purposely for extra support then the original would be better.

The Wintec Pro Stock Saddle

The Wintec Pro Stock Saddle is a saddle made from synthetic leather and has a grippy yet comfortable seat. Also boasting a traditional design, with additional support for the rider meaning you will feel secure in all four paces. Being synthetic this saddle has the affordability factor. Like the Bates saddles, they have CAIR panels. They also have an easy change gullet and riser system. We stock both, to get a Wintec or Bates gullet bar click on this link here.

Are you unsure if your saddle needs to be adjusted? We have you covered; we stock a measuring system to see what gullet bar you need. This gauge is compatible with all Wintec, Arena and Bates saddles. Check them out here.

For more information on how to measure your horse for a gullet bar check out this previous blog by clicking here.

The panels are super soft, which means it’s very adaptable to your horse, moulding to their specific shape. An additional feature that this saddle comes with is the traditional stock stirrup leathers, they buckle near the iron to prevent pinching your leg.

A simple spray keeps your saddle maintained, here at The Saddle Bank we stock these for you too its called the Wintec Saddle Cleaner.

Trial a Stock Saddle

Where can you get Bates or Wintec Stock saddle?
Take a look at the selection The Saddle Bank currently have in stock here. 

If we do not have what you are looking for, fill in our Dream Saddle Notifier form and we can let you know as soon as we get one in. 

So what are you waiting for?
Trial a Bates or Wintec Stock Saddle today.